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Gynecological cancers are best detected by having regular pap smears. Talk to your doctor about any unusual pressure or discharge you’ve experienced and inform your doctor of your family history. Recovery is affected by the stage of the cancer (whether the cancerous cells have spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body), the type of cancer and the size of the tumor. Everyday treatment options become more extensive and survival rates increase as research and technology teach us more about gynecological cancers.
Cervical Cancer: Although cervical cancer used to cause the most cancer related deaths in American women, this number has decreased because more women are being diagnosed and treated early due to the increase in yearly pap smears.* Cervical cancer forms when cancerous cells develop in the tissues of the cervix. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common cause of cervical cancer. Other women at risk are those who have given birth to multiple children, those with multiple sexual partners, those who take birth control pills and smokers. Women should regularly have a pap smear to detect HPV or abnormal cells in the cervix. Although there are frequently no noticeable symptoms of early cervical cancer, cervical cancer patients who have yearly checkups are frequently diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Besides a pap smear, cervical cancer may be discovered using a colposcopy, pelvic exam and/or endocervical curettage. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer, the size of the tumor, the patient’s desire to have children and the patient’s age. For a personalized cancer risk assessment, visit MyCancerRisk.com.
Endometrial Cancer: In the United States, endometrial cancer is the most common invasive cancer of the female reproductive system. Doctors learn more about the disease everyday, and the survival rate has increased with continued advances in treatment and diagnosis. Endometrial cancer forms when cancer cells develop in the tissues of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus. Women taking estrogen, or women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer treatment, should have yearly pelvic exams, as they are at a higher risk for developing endometrial cancer. Possible symptoms of endometrial cancer include bleeding or vaginal discharge, difficult or painful urination, pain during sexual intercourse and/or pain in the pelvic region. Endometrial cancer may be diagnosed using a biopsy, dilation and curretage. Endometrial cancer is highly curable.
Ovarian Epithelial Cancer: Ovarian cancer is the second most common type of diagnosed gynecological cancer. If diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate is 94 percent. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you are at an increased risk for developing the disease and it’s important that you notify your doctor of your risk. Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries and can spread into the bloodstream or lymph nodes. Possible symptoms of ovarian cancer include pain or swelling in the abdomen, pain in the pelvis and/or gastrointestinal problems. The disease can be diagnosed with tests that examine the ovaries, pelvic area, blood and ovarian tissue. For a personalized cancer risk assessment, visit MyCancerRisk.com.
Vaginal Cancer: Vaginal cancer is rare, only accounting for two to three percent of gynecological cancers.* When diagnosed early, it can often be cured. There are two main types of vaginal cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The risk factors for developing vaginal cancer include age and exposure to the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) before birth. Early symptoms of vaginal cancer are not common, but the disease can be found during a routine pap test. Symptoms include vaginal bleeding or discharge, pain during sexual intercourse, pain in the pelvic region and/or pain in the vagina. Tests that examine the vagina and other organs in the pelvis, such as a pelvic exam, pap smear, biopsy and/or colposcopy, are used to find and diagnose vaginal cancer.
Vulvar Cancer: Vulvar cancer is rare, and develops when cancer cells form in the tissues of the vulva. Having human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and older age can increase the chances of developing vulvar cancer. Although the disease commonly does not cause symptoms in its early stages, you should consult a doctor if you discover a lump in the vulva, persistent itching in the vulvar area, bleeding not related to menstruation and/or tenderness in the vulvar area. Physical exams, family history and biopsies are used to detect and diagnose vulvar cancer.
Related Links for cervical cancer:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Related Links for endometrial cancer:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Related Links for ovarian epithelial cancer:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Related Links for vaginal cancer:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Related Links for vulvar cancer:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
* American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts and Figures 2006, Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2006.